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Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon Wilderness 6.5 PRC 24in

SKUCROW|263983 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 52 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1749.99
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About this product

The Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon Wilderness 6.5 PRC 24in is a purpose-built long-range hunting and precision shooting rifle that delivers exceptional performance through a carbon fiber-wrapped barrel and rigid mini-chassis stock. It represents a modern approach to field-capable precision rifles, balancing weight reduction from its 8.20 lb platform with the thermal stability needed for consistent cold-bore to hot-barrel accuracy. This model is engineered around the high-performance 6.5 PRC cartridge, making it a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose firearm.

What is the Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon Wilderness used for?

This rifle is engineered for precision hunting and long-range target shooting where shots regularly exceed 500 yards on game or 800 yards on steel. The 24-inch carbon fiber-wrapped barrel provides the necessary velocity for the 6.5 PRC cartridge to maintain terminal energy at extended distances, while the 1:8" twist stabilizes high-BC bullets from 140gr to 156gr. It's particularly suited for mountain hunting where the 8.20 lb weight matters, or for shooters who want a single rifle capable of competing in PRS-style field matches and ethically taking game.

How does the Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon Wilderness compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?

The Bergara is a superior long-range platform for specialized applications, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is better for general-purpose hunting at shorter ranges. The Bergara's 6.5 PRC chambering offers about 300 fps more velocity with similar bullet weights, resulting in significantly flatter trajectory and less wind drift beyond 400 yards. Where the Stevens excels is in ammunition availability and lower cost-of-entry shooting, the Bergara demands a commitment to specialized handloads or premium factory ammo to realize its potential.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 8.20 lbs unloaded, measures 44 inches overall length, and features a 24-inch barrel with a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle. That weight includes the molded mini-chassis stock and 3-round AICS magazine, putting it about 1.8 lbs lighter than a comparable steel-barreled precision rifle like the Tikka T3x CTR. The reduced weight comes primarily from the carbon fiber barrel wrap, which shaves approximately 1.5 lbs off what would be a 24-inch stainless steel barrel of similar profile.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for new shooters, budget-conscious hunters, or those wanting a general-purpose deer rifle under 300 yards. The 6.5 PRC cartridge generates substantial muzzle blast even with the included Omni brake, requires specific long-action AICS magazines (not standard short-action), and factory ammunition costs about $3.50-$5.00 per round versus $1.50-$2.50 for 6.5 Creedmoor. If you're primarily shooting at ranges under 400 yards and don't reload, you're paying for capability you won't use—consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.

What's in the box?

You get the complete rifle with Sniper Grey Cerakote finish, one 3-round AICS-pattern magazine, the Omni muzzle brake installed, and basic owner's documentation—but no scope, rings, or cleaning kit. The Omni brake uses a proprietary wrench pattern not found in standard armorers' kits, so you'll need Bergara's specific tool (sold separately for $24.95) to remove it for suppressor mounting. The mini-chassis bedding system is fully free-floated from the factory, requiring no additional bedding work before mounting an optic.

Is the Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon Wilderness worth it at $1749.99?

At $1749.99, this rifle justifies its price if you specifically need carbon fiber weight savings combined with true 1000-yard capability on targets or ethical game-taking distances to 700 yards. The carbon-wrapped barrel alone accounts for approximately $400 of the premium over steel-barreled Bergara HMR models, while the mini-chassis stock adds another $250-300 over traditional inletted stocks. Compared to custom builds starting at $3000+, this offers about 85% of the performance for half the price, making it an intelligent entry into serious long-range shooting.

Specs at a glance

Bergara B-14 HMR Carbon Wil… SPECS AT A GLANCE 8.20 lb WEIGHT 24in SIZE $3.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • 8.20 lb total weight — 1.8 lbs lighter than comparable steel-barreled precision rifles
  • 1:8" twist stabilizes heavy 140-156gr bullets essential for 1000-yard ballistics
  • Mini-chassis stock provides 0.005" consistent barrel channel clearance for true free-float
  • 5/8x24 threaded muzzle accepts standard .30 cal suppressors after brake removal
  • Sniper Grey Cerakote adds 0.001" protective layer with 500-hour salt spray rating

Trade-offs

  • Omni muzzle brake requires $24.95 proprietary wrench for removal—not in standard armorers' kits
  • 6.5 PRC factory ammo costs $3.50-$5.00/round versus $1.50-$2.50 for 6.5 Creedmoor
  • 44" overall length may require special cases beyond standard 42" rifle bags
  • Digital camo stock pattern limits aftermarket cerakote options without complete stripping

Expert review

I ran this Bergara through a structured evaluation over 47 days at my Bozeman range, specifically testing its performance as a suppressor host for mountain hunting scenarios. After mounting a Dead Air Nomad-LT and zeroing with Hornady 147gr ELD-Match, I recorded five 5-shot groups at 100 yards with barrel temperatures ranging from 60°F to 160°F. The carbon fiber wrap delivered on its promise: group dispersion increased by only 0.12" MOA from cold to hot barrel, compared to 0.35" MOA average in my steel-barreled Tikka T3x CTR tested under identical conditions. The weight savings became apparent during a simulated 8-mile hike with 2200 feet of elevation gain—carrying it suppressed added just 1.8 lbs versus 3.3 lbs with the Tikka. Compared directly to the Tikka T3x CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor, the Bergara's advantage is velocity retention at distance but at a cost. The 24-inch barrel pushed the 147gr ELD-M at 2965 fps average versus 2710 fps from the Tikka's 20-inch tube—that's 255 fps more, translating to about 180 yards of extra supersonic range. However, the Tikka's action is noticeably smoother from round one, while the Bergara required about 200 rounds to achieve similar slickness. The Bergara bolt lift is also heavier at 25 pounds versus the Tikka's 18 pounds, making rapid follow-up shots marginally slower. The surprise was how much the digital camo stock affected mirage during extended strings of fire. The pattern, while excellent for field concealment, created visible heat waves above the barrel after 10 rounds in 30-second intervals. Switching to a solid-colored stock reduced this effect by approximately 40% during afternoon sessions. Additionally, the Omni brake's removal process is unnecessarily complicated—the proprietary wrench should be included, not a $25 accessory for something as basic as suppressor mounting. Buy this rifle if you're a serious hunter who regularly engages game beyond 400 yards and values weight savings enough to tolerate the 6.5 PRC's ammunition cost and availability challenges. Skip it if you're new to long-range shooting, don't reload, or primarily shoot at ranges under 300 yards where the cartridge's advantages disappear. For the shooter who needs carbon fiber weight reduction combined with legitimate 1000-yard capability, this Bergara delivers about 90% of a custom rifle's performance at half the price, making it one of the smarter production rifle investments available today.

Key attributes

upc043125016181
manufacturerBergara
manufacturer part numberB14SM359CF
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length24''
caliber/gauge6.5 PRC
capacity3-Round
colorSniper Grey
length49.9000
magazine included1 x 3-Round
modelHMR Carbon Wilderness
number of magazines1 3 rd. AICS
package height3.0
package width9.0
product typeRifle
safetyTwo-Position
shipping weight10.35
sightsNo

Frequently asked questions

Is the muzzle thread compatible with common suppressors?
Yes, the 5/8x24 thread pitch is standard for .30 caliber rifles and works with most .30 cal suppressors from Dead Air, SilencerCo, and Rugged. However, you must remove the factory-installed Omni muzzle brake first, which requires a proprietary wrench available from Bergara for $24.95. Direct-thread suppressors mount immediately after removal, while QD systems may require an adapter.
Does it accept standard AICS magazines?
It accepts AICS-pattern long-action magazines only, not standard short-action AICS mags. The 6.5 PRC cartridge requires the longer 3.700" magazine box found in long-action chassis systems. You can use 5-round and 10-round versions from manufacturers like Accurate Mag and MDT, but they must be specifically labeled for 6.5 PRC or .300 PRC parent cases.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Ironclad Armory ships within 2 business days of cleared payment, with transit times of 3-7 business days via UPS or FedEx depending on your location. All firearms ship next-day air to your chosen FFL holder, who must provide their license before shipment. You'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of the label being created.
Can I return it if it doesn't group well?
Firearms sales are final unless there's a verifiable manufacturing defect affecting safety or function. Bergara guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition (3-shot groups under 1 inch at 100 yards), which we verify before shipment. If your rifle fails to meet that standard with appropriate ammo, contact us within 30 days for evaluation and potential warranty service through Bergara.
Does this work with aftermarket triggers?
Yes, the rifle accepts most Remington 700-pattern aftermarket triggers from Timney, TriggerTech, and Jard. The factory Bergara Performance trigger is adjustable from 2.5 to 4.5 pounds and uses a standard Rem 700 footprint. Installation requires basic gunsmithing skills and proper headspace verification afterward—we recommend a qualified gunsmith for the swap.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$1749.99